Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Larson Escape 204 I/O 2007 vs Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2007 and the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 measures 23,6 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 21,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2007 at 2,0 feet (2007). At 31 lbs and 44 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 tops out at 320 hp. Engine specs for the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2007 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 carries 59 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Larson Escape 204 I/O 2007 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Larson Escape 234 I/O 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 23,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Larson Escape 204 I/O 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelEscape 204 I/O
ModelEscape 234 I/O
Model Year2007
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise17℃
Deadrise16°
Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (73.7 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91.4 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail3,100 lbs. (1,406 kg)
Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (2,000 kg) with base engine
Weight - kg1406.14
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - lbs.31
Weight - lbs.44
Length - Meters6.1
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet23.58
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 1 in. (6.1 m)
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 7 in. (7.19 m)
Length overall - Meters6.12
Length overall - Meters7.19
Length overall - Inches241
Length overall - Inches283
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail59 gal. (223 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters223.34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal59
Drive typeInboard/Outboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardMerCruiser 5.0L MPI BIII
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower260 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine max320 hp
Operational Info
Water capacity5 gal. (19 l)
Water capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,550 lbs. (703 kg)
Maximum capacity1,900 lbs. (862 kg)
Maximum people11
Maximum people12
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailESC 5500 DB with swing tongue
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all28 ft. 7 in. (8.71 m)